Before it’s too cold, Missouri officials urge winter awareness

It’s not winter yet. But Missouri officials want you to be aware of it nonetheless.

State health and emergency management officials are promoting Wednesday as Winter Weather Awareness Day. They say now is the time to prepare — before it gets really cold.

The Department of Health and Senior Services says there were 15 deaths related to cold weather in Missouri last winter.

For motorists, precautions include creating a winter car kit with a blanket, snacks, jumper cables, shovel and spare radio with batteries. Officials also urge people to make sure their fireplaces and generators work properly in case a backup fuel source is needed to heat homes.